Anointing of the Sick
The Anointing of the Sick, a sacred sacrament within the Catholic Church, offers profound spiritual healing and comfort to individuals facing illness, suffering, or the challenges of old age. It involves the anointing with blessed oil and prayers for physical and spiritual well-being, extending to mental and emotional struggles. This sacrament embodies the Church's commitment to caring for its members in times of vulnerability, invoking God's presence for healing and grace. It reminds believers of the hope of eternal life, unites suffering with Christ, and provides strength, courage, and peace in the face of adversity, emphasizing God's unwavering love and mercy.
The Sacrament of Holy Orders is referred to as “Orders” because it signifies the incorporation of individuals into established bodies within the Church, which were called “ordines” or orders since ancient times. This incorporation is achieved through a sacramental act known as “ordination,” which goes beyond a mere appointment or designation by the community. Ordination confers a unique gift of the Holy Spirit, termed “sacra potestas” or sacred power, originating from Christ Himself through His Church. It is accompanied by the laying on of hands by the bishop and a consecratory prayer, visibly signifying the setting apart of individuals for specific roles within the Church, such as bishops, priests, or deacons.
The celebration of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick has several profound effects, as described in the Catechism of the Catholic Church:
A Particular Gift of the Holy Spirit: The first grace of this sacrament is one of strengthening, peace, and courage. It provides assistance from the Holy Spirit, renewing trust and faith in God. It grants the strength to overcome the difficulties that come with serious illness or old age. This grace helps the sick person combat the temptations of the evil one, including discouragement and anguish in the face of death. It can lead to healing of the soul and, according to God’s will, even of the body. Additionally, if the sick person has committed sins, they will be forgiven.
Union with the Passion of Christ: Through the grace of this sacrament, the sick person receives the strength to unite themselves more closely to the Passion of Christ. They are consecrated to bear fruit through a configuration to the Savior’s redemptive Passion. Suffering, which is a consequence of original sin, acquires a new meaning as it becomes a participation in the saving work of Jesus.
An Ecclesial Grace: Those who receive this sacrament, by uniting themselves to the passion and death of Christ, contribute to the good of the People of God. The Church, in the communion of saints, intercedes for the benefit of the sick person. In return, the sick person, through the grace of this sacrament, contributes to the sanctification of the Church and the well-being of all people for whom the Church offers itself through Christ to God the Father.
Preparation for the Final Journey: The Anointing of the Sick is also known as the “sacrament of those departing.” It is rightly given to those at the point of departing from this life. This sacrament completes the person’s conformity to the death and Resurrection of Christ, similar to how Baptism initiates this conformity. It is the final anointing that fortifies the individual for the last struggles before entering the Father’s house.